The Laylow, Autograph Collection

The Laylow, Autograph Collection

Our stay was comped but as always, opinions are of my own.

If there’s one hotel that has been popping up here and there on my feed, it would be The Laylow in Waikiki and rightfully so. It’s midcentury modern with a touch of Hawaii appeal is Instagram-worthy which is sure enough to flood your own feed because, how could you not? Monstera adorned wallpaper, rattan, polka dots, wood panels, submerged lounge chairs, everything at The Laylow is waiting to be photographed by you.

Before The Laylow was THE Laylow, it used to be a hotel that doesn’t deserve to be mentioned as it was pretty outdated and not nearly as good as it is now. Old furniture, dingy carpet, just plain outdated. How do I know this? Because I’ve stayed at the same exact property more than a decade ago. Fast forward a decade later, the property is completely renovated and redeveloped under what is now famously known as The Laylow, Autograph Collection and let me tell you, it is a complete upgrade both in design and customer service!

When The Laylow reached out to me about experiencing this new oasis in Waikiki, I could not say no. After visiting their restaurant, Hideout, for my 30th birthday and seeing all of the little details throughout the lobby and Hideout, I couldn’t wait to finally experience it myself and now that I have, I have everything you need to know about this new up and coming property that recently opened in 2017.

The Lobby

To reach the lobby, you head up the escalators after you valet your car (there is a fee of course). You will be greeted with plants and mid-century style furniture; a complete retreat in the middle of Waikiki on Kuhio. Make a right after the escalators and you’ll get a glimpse of their pool area on the left; a place that I knew I had to experience during my stay. On the right, you will see the entrance of Hideout: the restaurant on the property. Keep walking straight and you’ll run into the concierge desk with the loveliest wall decked out with dashboard hula dolls. But even lovelier were those behind the desk. They welcomed me and Charles with open arms!

I already knew I have fallen in love with The Laylow.

The Room

There are 16 floors and Charles and I stayed on the 15th floor which is part of the Ho’okipa Level. At the Ho’okipa Level, there are complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the day. We took full advantage of it! As with the entire property, you will notice midcentury touches as well as how beautifully styled the room is from the platform bed, the red accent chair, the rattan chair, the rattan ottoman, and the wood tiles in the shower. The accent wall in their rooms: light pink wallpaper with leaves was a hit. I’ve noticed that other rooms have a different color way (navy with pink leaves) but I may be biased and prefer our cute pink wallpaper!

Included with the destination fee when you stay at The Laylow is a wonderful welcome basket full of local goodies. In our basket, we received: taro and sweet potato chips, Hi Chew, chocolate, water, and slippahs (flip flops are slippahs in Hawaii). Also included in the fee is shave ice which we missed! Definitely next time!

Toiletries

Toiletries by Maak Lab made exclusively for The Laylow, Autograph Collection

One thing that is often overlooked while staying in a hotel are the toiletries. The Laylow nailed it with their toiletries from Maak Lab. These toiletries are made exclusively for the hotel and let me tell you, it evokes the essence of midcentury. With notes of sandalwood, hinoki, and bergamot, they nailed down the midcentury scent to a tee.

I have spent time all over the world and have been exposed to many kinds of toiletries. Most of the time, it’s an after thought as they’re usually not the best toiletries in the market. The attention to detail (as in this case, the woodsy scents for their toiletries which matches the entire midcentury concept) is impeccable and completed the entire experience. I don’t think I’ll ever look at toiletries the same way again after The Laylow.

The Pool

One of the many things I was looking forward to at The Laylow was their saltwater pool and the cutest partially submerged lounge chairs. The pool area is small and quaint but not too far away is the beach if you’d rather relax there. But if you’d like to stay poolside at The Laylow, their beach towels are super cute so feel free to sign out some beach towels at their gift shop. Just don’t forget to return them!

Hideout

Right on the lobby floor, Hideout is the perfect place to grab coffee, lunch, dinner, and even some drinks! Charles and I decided to eat here for breakfast and we both enjoyed it! I ordered the buckwheat pancakes with macadamia nut butter topped with Kona coffee syrup. I was afraid of the pancakes being too dry but they weren’t and they were absolutely delicious. Charles ordered the loco moco with wagyu, ginger soy, chili oil, fried egg, and mushroom gravy. I could not rave enough of how delicious the rice was and kept stealing bites off Charles’ plates. The portions were very fulfilling and enough to keep you full for awhile!

You can dine either outside or inside. I usually opt for outside (it’s the California girl in me) but decided to eat inside. Best decision as I fell in love with their floors and the “walls” that separate Hideout from the lobby. It was eye candy for someone who is in love with interior design. Also, take note of the Hideout’s wall at the entrace: upon closer inspection, they’re umbrellas painted white! How amazing is that?

If you’re looking to going to Hawaii and staying in a hotel with ocean front views, this is not your hotel BUT if you’re looking for a hotel that’s chic, modern, and with exceptional hospitality, I highly encourage you to look into The Laylow. It’s not too far from the fame Waikiki Beach, there’s lots of shops around the area, and many delicious restaurants (but I highly recommend Hideout)!

Thank you so much, The Laylow, for hosting our stay!

The Laylow, Autograph Collection

2299 Kuhio Ave

Honolulu, Hawaii 96815

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